When did drinking age change to 21?
Asked by: Prof. Stephan Mann II | Last update: May 10, 2025Score: 4.9/5 (50 votes)
The 1984 National Minimum Drinking Age Act, [23 U.S.C. § 158], requires that States prohibit persons under 21 years of age from purchasing or publicly possessing alcoholic beverages as a condition of receiving State highway funds.
When did the drinking age change from 18 to 21 in the US?
The Congress passed the National Minimum Drinking Age Act in 1984, establishing 21 as the minimum legal purchase age.
What was the drinking age in 1970?
History of the MLDA
Following the repeal of Prohibition, nearly all State laws restricting youth access to alcohol designated 21 as the minimum age for purchasing and consuming alcohol (Mosher 1980). Between 1970 and 1975, however, 29 States lowered the MLDA to age 18, 19, or 20.
Could you ever drink at 18 in the US?
National Drinking Age Law
Since 1984, the national minimum legal drinking age has been 21. Before 1984, each state had its own legal drinking age. States that don't follow the national minimum drinking age law can lose money. The federal government may withhold up to 10% of funds to that state to maintain highways.
When did the drinking age change from 18 to 21 in mass?
On February 16, 1979, the State Senate voted to raise the Massachusetts minimum drinking age from 18 to 20. The vote for final approval was 29 to 3. On December 4, 1984, governor Michael S. Dukakis signed a bill raising the drinking age from 20 to 21 in Massachusetts.
Why the US drinking age is 21
What states allow 18 year olds to drink?
With the exception of five states (Alabama, Arkansas, Idaho, New Hampshire, and West Virginia), all states and Washington, D.C., allow underage consumption of alcohol under limited circumstances, such as in the presence of parents, for religious or medical purposes, or while in a class that requires tasting.
What year did Michigan change the drinking age from 18 to 21?
On Dec. 22, 1978, Michigan's drinking age was raised to age 21.
What is the lowest drinking age in the world?
At 13, Burkina Faso is the country with the youngest age of alcohol consumption.
Can 18 year olds drink on a cruise?
What is the minimum age for purchase and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages? Passengers must be 21 years of age or older to purchase or consume alcohol while in US sailings. Parental consent is required for guests 18 to 20 to consume only beer and wine while vessels is in international waters.
What 29 states allow underage drinking?
Possession of alcohol allowed by minors for a “family exception” in 29 states (which may or may not have specific location restrictions as well): Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New ...
What is the drinking age in Mexico?
How old do you have to be to drink in Mexico? The minimum legal drinking age in Mexico is 18 years old. Mexico requires that young adults show photo identification, either a passport or driver's license, as proof of age when buying alcohol.
When did it change from 18 to 21?
The 1984 National Minimum Drinking Age Act, [23 U.S.C. § 158], requires that States prohibit persons under 21 years of age from purchasing or publicly possessing alcoholic beverages as a condition of receiving State highway funds.
Why is the US drinking age so high?
The MLDA of 21 years helps lower the risk of developing alcohol and other substance use disorders, for those who drink alcohol. It also supports families and communities by leading to fewer harmful births, lower rates of suicide and homicide, and fewer deaths from alcohol poisoning.
Can 18 year olds drink with parents in Florida?
Unlike some states, Florida law does not carve out a “parental supervision” exception to underage drinking. A parent cannot legally authorize a child under 21 to drink alcohol.
What is the legal drinking age in Russia?
In 2020 officials discussed raising the legal drinking age from 18 to 21.
What is the drinking age in Japan?
Enjoying local drinks is a highlight for many travelers, especially when shared with a group or a new local friend in a cozy bar. The legal drinking age in Japan is 20. As long as you're over 20, you're free to drink in Japan—just remember to carry your passport for ID.
What is the drinking age in Jamaica?
The legal drinking age in Jamaica is 18 years old. This means that individuals under the age of 18 are prohibited from purchasing, possessing, or consuming alcohol.
Can a 20 year old drink on a Royal Caribbean cruise?
ALCOHOL POLICY
The minimum age to consume alcohol on Royal Caribbean ships on sailings originating in North America or the Caribbean is twenty-one (21). The minimum age to consume alcohol on Royal Caribbean ships on sailings originating in South America, Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand is eighteen (18).
What age can you start drinking in Germany?
Adolescents aged 16 and over are allowed to buy and drink beer, wine or sparkling wine also in absence of their parents, but other -heavy- alcoholic drinks are not allowed for them either. From the 18th birthday, a person is considered an adult in Germany.
What is the drinking age in Italy?
The drinking age in Italy is 18 years old. However, it is not strictly enforced. We recommend to always carry a photo ID to prove your age.
What country drinks the most alcohol?
Romania tops the list of countries with the highest alcohol consumption per person, with Georgia, Czechia, Latvia, and Germany rounding out the top five. This is according to the global estimates made available by the World Health Organization (WHO), the latest data referring to 2019.
What is the drinking age in China?
The legal drinking age in China is 18 years old.
What state has the youngest drinking age?
Every state, except Maine and—more recently—West Virginia, requires individuals serving alcohol in bars and restaurants to be at least 18 years old, and three states (Alaska, Nevada, and Utah) have a minimum age of 21.
How old do you have to be to drink in Hawaii?
What are the alcohol laws in Hawaii? The most important alcohol law in the state of Hawaii is that you must be 21 years of age to consume alcohol in the state. Servers are allowed to serve customers providing they are 18 years of age and that a supervisor who is 21 or older is present.